Palermo’s Theater of the People

The revivalist architectural style of Teatro Politeama in Palermo is a late nineteenth century homage to Roman-era amphitheaters like the Colosseum. Built in the early 1870s, it recalls details of buildings uncovered in Pompeii, specifically the columned promenade and decorative frescoes throughout the theater (Excavations of Pompeii, although started slowly in 1748, were strongly underway in the 1860s.).The main entrance of the city landmark is an arch de triumph topped with a bronze chariot driven by the god of music, Apollo. Teatro Politeama, which is the “Theater of the People,” is the home of the Orchestra Sinfonica Siciliana.